Diving-gear or the like.



A. NEUBBRT.

DIVING GEAR OR THE LIKE.

APPLICAIIGN FILED 0013,1906

908,690. Pateni sed Jan.5,19( ]9.

INVENTOR WITNESSES:

By 41! may;

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALOIS NEUBERT, OF N EW Y l llli, N. Y.. @XSMGNOH TO A. SUHRADEH'S SON, INCORPORATED, OF NEW Yllllii, Y., A tlllltltlltA'llt'lN OF NEW Yl lRfK.

DIVING-GEAR GR THE LIKE.

Specification of Letters Patan Patented .Tan. 5, P909.

Applic'ntion filed October 3, 1906. Serial No. 337,254;

To (all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Anus Nnunnirr, born a subject of the Emperor of Austrissllungory. and having taken out first papers of T, citizcnship in the United States of America,

and a resident of Astoria, in the count of float A is preferably constructed of sheet metal, of such form that it tends to maintain an upright osit-ion in the water. As shown it is former with a broad base portion, and tapers u Jwsrdly, its top being of much ,5 smaller dimensions than its bottom. It is Queens. city and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful improve" ments in Diving-Gear or the Like. of which the following is a specification.

This invention is directed particularly to diving apparatus for use in comparatively shallow wntrn although it is susceptible of other applications.

It is found in practice that the ordinary diving dress is not suited for use n wot-c1 of less depth than about six feet, the weight of the dress being insufficiently counteracted by I the bodv o the low water pressure so that it is burdensome to the operator: The cumbersome nc- Lure of the usual diving dress also im airs the facility of movement, and material v interferes with the work.

By my invention I aim to jirovide at light diving gear which is especially adontcd for shallow diving, and which permits the (liver to work unimpcdcd for prscticstlly im in i definite time beneath the surface.

To this end my invention in its preferred c, but as shown, I prefer to provide a series 7 lorm comprises a suitztblc floating bod) which is designed to sup )UIL the into-kc end ol u flexible ailfitube. the opposite end of whirli is designed to be held to the mouth of the dirt-r. l reforuhly at single tube is used. [nouns being provided for rclcosirr; the ex baled air from the upporntus at a point. closito the mouth of tho usrr, a suitnbli valve mechanism bcing providod to prcvent tho loul air from rising into the sir tube.

An important feature of my invention is the PlUYlHlOIl ohnicans for maintaining the uppurutus free from moisture or W819) so that there is no danger of sullocntlon from 3 this cause.

2L perspective View illustiutum t be use of the apparatus, Fig. 2 is a snnilur View on a larger sciilc, the float being shown in section. Fig. I) is a. section taken a proximately on the line 21,3, in Fig. :2 and ilfilfitltttlfig' tluwriter trap.

provided at its interior with n. phitc a which divides the Hunt into two chambers, the lower of which is water tight, and serves to Fieillre" the desired buoyancy for the lloot. The air pipe B enters the bottom of the float A and is continued upwardly through the lower chamber b to a. mint somewhat above the top of l the float.

Within the float the pipe B is pneferahly formed of a. metallic tube 0, the walls of which are soldered or otherwise secured to the bottom wall e and plate a so as to make a leak-tight joint at each point. At the top of the tube 0 is preferably )rovidcd a flaring or funnel shaped month (i which serves to deflect any water whioh may tend to splash into the tube from below. Any means may be provided for admitting the air to the tube of ho1es f in the upper part of the float A, such holes being arranged considerably below the mouth (1 of the tube (2 so that water passing into the upper chamber of the float may drain out at once before it. reaches the top of the tube a. To protect the latter from the entrance of water as much. as possible a, cone shaped cover 9 is provided, the walls of which extend quite closely to the mouth d of the tube.

by means of thumb sc ws h or any other suitable devices.

The apparatus is provided with a mouth iece C, which is designed to be placed )et'ween the lips and the gums and teeth of the diver suitable projections t, being provided to be held between tho teeth so as to maintain the mouth piece in place. Preferably some means are employed for rerouting: tl'ie diver from breathing through is nostrils, a. suitahlc dcvice ol this character boing illustrated in Fig. 4,.ond. con- Fig. 4 is a. plan of tho nose clip usrd in con i sisting of it clip designed to bc placed upon nection wit 1 the invention.

lthe nose to close the nostrils and secured in The V cover 9 is fastened to the body of the float,

ill

preferably mounted at the end of a short 3 metal tube which is curved as shown, and which is connected with a length of flexible tubing it, one end of which is connected with may be of any suitable construction, but is shown as comprising a tank shaped to fit the body of the user, and connected with the tube B by suitable nipples 0 arranged at the to of the tank, to which the sections of the in )t are attached. By this means an moisture which passes into the tube and forms a continuation of the tube ll. The curved piece y is designed to hold the flexible tube It away from the face of the diver so that it does not obstruct his vision, and the tube I: is adapted to permit movements of the diver's head without danger of displacing the mouth-piece.

An important feature of my invention comprises a means for permitting the exhaled air to be at onceipassed out of the a iparatus so that it does not to any appreciable extent mix with the pure air being drawn through the air tube. To this end I provide a valve Z which, as shown, is of the ordinary beer valve type, and is located as near as convenient to tho mouth-piece Q. As shown, it is arranged at the end of the tube It, so that there is formed a comparatively short passage between the mouth-piece and the valve through which the exhaled air passes before it is exhausted. Such valve may, if desired, be located still nearer to the mouth-piece, but I have found in practice that the arrangement just described operates in a satisfactory manner. The valve should be so ar ranged that neither it nor the air bubbles expelled from it interferes with the vision of the d ver. In order to revent the exhaled air from passing bacliward into the tube B, I preferably locate a check valve m between the tube l3 and the tube 7r, which permits the passage of the air towards the mouth-piece, bu prevents a flow in the opposite direction Such valve is )retorably made of cork, Vegetable marrow, hollow papier-Inach, or other light material.

Another important l'caturc of my invention is the provision of menus for ridding, tho apparatus of moisture or liquid so that there is no danger of such liquid reaching thc uiouih-picch C. notrritlistanding any precautions which may be taken to prcvcnt it, that some moisture wil acrumulatc in the apparatus due partly to the condensation of moisture in t ie inhaled or exhaled air in the cool tube. and partly to the fact that some liquid will pass into the tube B through its mouth oi. To avoid any possibility of such moisture behfi inlmh-d by the diver, l provide a trap which is located at some oint in the length of the tube ll, and preferably at a point close to the mouth- )iccc U. As shov. n, such trap is arranged close to the valve in, and is adapted to be carried by the diver, means such as a belt I! being provided to attach the trap to the body oi tludiver. Rut-ll trap l have found in prurticc,

through its mouth (I will at once drain into the tank and accumulate in the bottom tl'icreol', without reaching the mouthiece 0. Any moisture which is condensed in t e tube Ir ill find its way past the valve 1% when the latter is lit ted, and pass by gravity downwardly through the short section of the tube B into the trap.

My invention also provides a means by which accumulated moisture in the trap may be discharged by the diver while he is submerged, such means preferably comprising a pump p secured to thc under side of the trap.

- The pump is provided on its inlet side with a light flap valve 9 and with a iston 'r havin a valve 1", a suitable spring 8 eing provided to normally maintain the piston in its upper position. The piston rod extends to the exterior and is provided at its lower end with a suitable handle 15. As the piston is moved downwardly the valve 9 opens and permits the water to flow into the cylinder above the piston, and as the latter is moved upwardly the valve 1 closes and the valve 1' opens, so that the water asses beneath the piston.

By the use 0 this device the diver may, at de sired intervals, force out the accumulated liquid from the trap and thus maintain the entire apparatus in a water-free and safe con-- dition.

While the apparatus may, of course, be used in connection with any suitable dress, I prefer in ordinary shallow divin to fasten the various parts which are carried by the diver to a sleeveless and preferabl Weighted garment, such as 11., Fig. 1. Sue garment ias fastened to it a belt such as n which in this case forms the sole means for holding the garment to the person, such belt being provided with a quickly releasable catch of ordinary construction such as the hook to and eye 1, Fig. 2. By this means the diver may quickly divest himself of the entire apparatus in case this should be necessary.

While I have described in detail the preferred construction of my invention, it will be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the invention. .For instance, the construction and proportions of the float, trap, valve, etc, may be materially changed, so long as these parts retain the functions described. Or instead of the particular form of mouth-piece shown, any means may be adopted for connecting the air tube to the mouth or nostrils of the operator, such means bein intended to be covered b r the term mout piece as used licrein. or is my invention limited to apparatus for use in divi It may be employed in whole or in part in rooms or other places containing poisonous gases, smoke, etc, and it is also susceptible of use in laying foundations where :the excavations are flooded, and is nerally adapted for employment wherever it is desired to supply atmospheric air to an operatorworking under conditions where a natural sup ly 0 air is umrbtainablc.

1. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube through which the air is led to the operator, and a trap connected with such tube and adapted to receive moisture therefrom, such trap comprisin an enlarged chamber into which such tube leads, whereb the moisture cannot follow the tube to t to operator. l

2. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube through which the oil is led to the operator, and a trap connected with such tube and adapted to re naive moisture therefrom, said tube being interrupted at such trap so as to prevent miature from following the tube to the operator.

3. In a diving apparatus or the like, the

combination of an air tube through which the air is led to the operator, and a trap connected with such tube and adapted to receive moisture therefrom, such trap being arranged at a point materially below the mout of the operator, so that the air is compelled to pass upwardly from such trap.

4. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube through which the air is led to the operator, and means for dischargirzg moisture from said tube while submerge a 5. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube through which the air is led to the operator, and a trap connected with such tube and adapted to receive moisture therefrom, said tra being provided with means for discharglng the water therefrom while submerged.

6. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube through which the air is led to the o orator, and a trap connected with such to )e and adapted to receive moisture therefrom, said trap being provided with a pump for discharging the water therefrom while submerged.

7. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube through which the air is led to the operator, and a trap connected with such tube and adapted to reccive moisture thereirom, said trap being adapted to be carried directly 1) the operator, so that the tube is relieved oi its weight.

8. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube through which the air is led to the operator, and a trap conne 'lod with such tube and adapted to removements of the hea ceive moisture therefrom, said trap being adapted to be carried directly by the operator, and means for fastening said trap to the o erators person.

9. n a diving apparatus or the like, the combination oi an air tube through which the air is led to the operator, and a trap connected with such tube and adapted to receive moisture therefrom, and means for discharging the moisture from said tra without permitting ingress of water while submerged, said means being arranged within reach of the operator so as to be operable by him when desired.

10. in a diving appa'ratus or the like, the combination of an a1r,tube through which the air is led to the operator, and means for discharging the exhaled air outside such tube at a point near the operator, such means being arranged so that the discharging air does not obstruct the vision of the operator.

11. In a diving apparatusonthe like, the combination of an air tube through which air is led to the operator, said tube being adapted to be connected to the operator at his waist and to lead upwardly therefrom, a mouth-piece connected with said tube, and a rigid pipe 7' leading from said mouth-piece andoonnected to said tube and adapted to hold such tube out of the line of vision of the operator.

12. Ina diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube through Which air is led to the operator, said tube being adapted to be connected to the o orator at his waist and to lead upwardly t erefrom, a mouthpiece connected with said tube, a rigid pipe j leading from said mouth-piece and connected to said tube and adapted to hold such tube out' of the line of vision of the operator, 1nd a flexible tube is between the air tube d the tube ada ted to permit if of tile operator.

13. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube through which air is led to the operator, said air tube having an upwardly extending. portion, a tube 70 joined thereto at an angle, and a mouthpiece connected with the opposite end of said tube Ir.

14. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube, a trap connected with said air tube, means for attaching said trap to the body of the operator, a mouthpiece, and a valve through -Which the exhaled air is discharged, said valve being arranged between said mouth-piece and said trap.

15. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of an air tube, a trap connected with said tube, means for attaching said trap to the body of' the operator, a mouth piece, a valve throu h which the exhaled air is discharged, sai valve being arranged between 17. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of a llout, a mouthpiece or the like, a single tube connected to said mouth piece nnd adapted to loud u1r to the operator,

means for discharging the exhaled air, and

menus for preventing the return passage of an through said an tube.

18. In it diving apparatus or the like, the

combination of :L flout, an air tube huvirug one end supported by said flout, u nuuith-picce or the like, and a trap adapted to collect the wu ter entering said tube.

19. In a diving apparatus or the like, the combination of a (lost lnvin; u m ter-tight chamber, n11 uir tube exti-rnding throauzh said chamber, the side walls of said chulnbcr extending upwardly around the end of sznd tube, and being perforated to admit uir to suid tube, end an ilnperforate cover for said clnnnbeiyfitting said side walls.

20. In 51 diving apparatus of the like, the combination of u flout, having a water tight chamber, on air tube extending centrally through said clu'nnber and having its end urrunged above the latter, Quid float having it pcrforuted well extending above said chainbcr adapted to admit air to said tube.

21. In u diving apparatus or the like, the combination of a mouth-piece or the like, an air tube connected to said mouth-piece and adapted to lead air to the operator, and menus o )GIILblG while the operator is submerged lor (.lisehin'ging the moisture which collects in such tube.

22. In it diving apparatus or the like, the combination of a long single tube one end of which is in eommunieation with an air supply, and the other end is adapted for connection with the mouth of the operator, and a means close to the operator and remote from the other end of the tube for discharging the exhaled nil.

such tube, and 1110:1138 for fastening such garwent to the opernt'ors person, such means being adapted to be quickly released so that the operat r may be freed from the apparatus.

ln witness whereof, I hev'e hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HENRY P. KRAFT, iuinmrr G. SnARLns.

33. in it diving apparatus or the like, the 

